FAQs

BEPREVE works on the two primary components of the allergic process that cause the development of allergy symptoms in the eye. BEPREVE is a histamine (H₁)-receptor antagonist.¹ This means that BEPREVE works by blocking the action of histamine. BEPREVE also stabilizes mast cells, preventing these specialized allergy cells from releasing other chemicals that can make symptoms worse.

How well does BEPREVE work?

Clinical studies show that 95% of BEPREVE-treated eyes experienced a clinically significant reduction of itching within 15 minutes after a single drop of BEPREVE.²

Does BEPREVE sting?

BEPREVE does not sting in the eye. In a clinical study, BEPREVE demonstrated that it is as comfortable in the eye as placebo.³

How does BEPREVE compare in terms of cost?

The convenient 10-mL bottle minimizes the need for additional refills. Patients need just 1 prescription and have only 1 copay for 2 months of therapy. Other prescription antihistamine/mast cell stabilizers are available only in a 1 month supply. The BEPREVE 10-mL bottle provides even greater value compared to potential refill costs of QD drugs.

Will BEPREVE work if I have severe eye itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis?

In a clinical study, more than two-thirds of eyes (68%) that were treated with BEPREVE for severe itching had complete relief at 3 minutes.² In comparison, only 3% of eyes that were given placebo eye drops experienced relief at 3 minutes.⁴

Will BEPREVE work if I have mild eye itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis?

In clinical studies, 95% of eyes that were treated with BEPREVE had a clinically significant reduction of itching shortly after a single drop of BEPREVE.²

Can I use BEPREVE if I wear contact lenses?

If your eye is red, you should not wear your contact lens and contact your eye care professional to determine the cause.¹

BEPREVE is safe to use if you wear contact lenses; however, it should not be used to treat contact lens–related irritation.¹

Be sure to remove your contact lens prior to using BEPREVE. You may reinsert your contact lens 10 minutes after you have put BEPREVE in your eye.¹

How do I use BEPREVE?

BEPREVE should be used twice a day or according to your doctor's instructions. One drop should be applied in the morning and one drop should be applied in the evening in the affected eye(s). BEPREVE is for topical ophthalmic use only (on the surface of the eye).¹ Click here to download a brief information sheet about using BEPREVE.

How long do I need to use BEPREVE?

Because each case of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis is different, your doctor will give you specific instructions on how long you should use BEPREVE. Remember to talk to your doctor if your symptoms persist.

Is BEPREVE safe?

In clinical trials, BEPREVE was shown to be safe and well tolerated.⁵

What were the most common side effects in clinical trials with BEPREVE?

The most common side effect in clinical trials was a mild taste after application, occuring in 25% of patients. Other reactions in 2%-5% of patients were eye irritation, headache, and upper respitory infection.¹

Are there any preservatives in BEPREVE?

BEPREVE contains benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which is commonly used in topical eye medications as a preservative.

Can I use BEPREVE if I am pregnant or nursing?

BEPREVE is a Category C Pregnancy medication,¹ which means there are no adequate and well-controlled studies of bepotastine besilate, the active ingredient in BEPREVE, in pregnant women. As such, BEPREVE should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.¹

It is not known if bepotastine besilate is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when BEPREVE is administered to a nursing woman.¹

Be sure to consult your doctor before taking BEPREVE. Only your doctor can determine if you should use BEPREVE if you are pregnant or nursing.

Can BEPREVE be used in children?

BEPREVE is approved for use in patients as young as 2 years of age.¹

Is there a special way I need to store BEPREVE?

Be sure to keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. BEPREVE should be stored at room temperature, 15°C-25°C (59°F-77°F).¹ To minimize the risk of contamination, do not touch the dropper tip of the bottle to any surface.

References: 1. BEPREVE [package insert]. Irvine, CA: ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc; 2010. 2. Williams JI, Schooley GL, Gow JA, McNamara TR. Bepreve™ 1.5% provides clinically meaningful reduction in allergen-induced ocular itching for subjects in an analysis of two phase 3 conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) clinical trials [AAAAI abstract 151]. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;125(2)(suppl 1):AB38. 3. Data on file. ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 4. Clark JC, Williams JI, Gow JA, et al. Poster presented at: Eastern Allergy Conference; May 6-9, 2010; Palm Beach, FL. 5. Data on file. ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: BEPREVE is for topical ophthalmic use only. To minimize risk of contamination, do not touch the dropper tip to any surface. Keep the bottle closed when not in use. BEPREVE should not be used to treat contact lens–related irritation. Remove contact lenses prior to instillation of BEPREVE. The most common adverse reaction occurring in approximately 25% of patients was a mild taste following instillation. Other adverse reactions occurring in 2%-5% of patients were eye irritation, headache, and nasopharyngitis.